- Cairns Convention Centre expansion officially open
- Expanded facilities to host more than 60 events and conferences
- Expected to bring more than 35,000 delegates to Cairns annually
- More than 1000 local workers inducted on to the site during works.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has joined Cairns MP Michael Healy to officially open the new-look, expanded Cairns Convention Centre.
The facility will now begin hosting conferences and events following the $176 million project.
The 10,500sqm expansion followed major refurbishment works on the original building in 2021.
The boost to tourism, travel and trade is estimated to boost the region's economy by $100 million annually.
The Centre now boasts facilities over four-levels, including a 410-seat function room, three 120-seat meeting rooms and exhibition space for 30 booths – perfect for showcases and roadshows.
Showcasing the picturesque view of the region, including Trinity Inlet, the new 500-seat Trinity Room and Trinity Terrace, pre-function facilities and operational spaces allow for concurrent conventions within the centre.
More than 1000 local workers were inducted on to the site during the works.
The bigger and better convention centre is expected to bring more than 35,000 delegates to Cairns annually.
Managing contractor Lendlease persevered through the COVID pandemic, cyclones and supply chain and labour pressures to complete the project.
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
"The new-look Cairns Convention Centre is a fitting addition to Queensland's Far North tourism mecca, which will undoubtedly attract world-class events to the region.
"The people of Cairns deserve this facility and can be proud of what has been achieved together.
"Already, a number of events have been confirmed including our very own Destination Q and Queensland Tourism Awards in November.
"Our government is proud to have supported this project which will help the region to thrive towards a brighter future."
Quotes attributable to Cairns MP Michael Healy:
"The expanded Cairns Convention Centre is a testament to our city's talent, boosting the skill of our local construction industry and creating 570 good jobs in the region.
"Better still, 86 apprentices and 7 trainees were trained during construction and are now part of the city's workforce – youngsters who now have a big future in the building industry.
"Cairns deserves the quality facilities this expanded centre now boasts so I am proud to be part of a government has delivered on its commitment to the region.
"I look forward to welcoming major events to the region, which will bring good news for our visitor economy, small businesses and tourism operators alike."
Quotes attributable to ASM Global Executive Chairman, Harvey Lister:
The Centre, which has been operated by ASM Global since it opened in 1996, and twice named winner of the World's Best Congress Centre (2004 and 2014), will now be able to host multiple events at once or larger conferences requiring multiple break out spaces.
ASM Global (Asia Pacific) Chairman and Chief Executive, Harvey Lister AM, welcomed the handover of the expansion to the team to start delivering world-class events in state-of-the-art new spaces.
Mr. Lister said the Centre's expansion and refurbishment would deliver significant economic benefits to the Cairns economy over the next decade and beyond.
"The expansion will enhance Cairns' standing as a world leader in hosting business events," he said.
"Cairns Convention Centre is on track to host 160 events this financial year, including 60 conferences bringing more than 35,000 delegates to Cairns, delivering a visitor spend of over $100 million into the region."
Quotes attributable to Barron River MP Craig Crawford:
"We know business event tourism is huge for our economy in Cairns.
"I think the new top-level Trinity Terrace with stunning views over the inlet will be a big winner."
Quotes attributable to Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt:
"As a Taipans fan, I know what a fantastic venue the Convention Centre is for the people of Cairns.
"When I was Treasurer I announced this expansion, and I'm proud to see it as a shining jewel in the crown of our local economy."
Quotes attributable to David Paterson, Managing Director of Lendlease's Construction business Australia:
"Today marks the successful completion of this world-class Convention Centre for Far North Queensland.
"This state-of-the art facility stands as a testament to the commitment and collaboration between our project team, subcontractors, ASM Global and Queensland Government."
Fast facts:
- The expansion component has approximately 10,500 sqm of new floor area (including the Porte Cochere).
- Over 300 structural piles providing a strong foundation for the expansion.
- Approximately 40,000 individual tiles will be laid across the expansion.
- Approximately 4,000 sqm of carpet and vinyl across the expansion.
- 1198 GRC sunblades shade the façade, in four different colours and five different orientations.
- Steel ribbon length of the façade screen: 565m.
- 1.43km of vertical support members holding up the GRC sunblades.
- 200sqm of concrete relief wall in the porte cochere.
- 1,500 square meter of façade glazing.
- Biggest steel beam is 1m tall and spans 24m.
